Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 feels like the gaming equivalent of a 90s nostalgia trip—all the heart-thumping tunes and rad tricks, minus the adult responsibilities. It's like Tony Hawk himself decided to jump on a skateboard straight into the realm of gaming magic—but don't worry, he didn't land on his face this time. Buckle up for a delightful ride where you can skate your way to high scores or just pretend to while you eat pizza in your pajamas.
The gameplay is reminiscent of an arcade mall brawl but with skateboards. Players can expect to achieve high scores or collect obscure objects that have no real value in the actual world (except maybe some hipster points). You’ll perform a plethora of tricks including flips, grinds, and some mysterious maneuvers that were likely invented during a late-night brainstorm fueled by leftover pizza. Completing objectives unlocks levels, allowing you to bask in the glory of skateboarding's best and latest tricks—like wall rides and spine transfers—while secretly fearing that your imaginary mother is judging your gameplay. The mechanics are fluid, and the learning curve is forgiving, meaning you won’t need a PhD to do a kickflip. And if you do fail and faceplant, don’t sweat it—there's no real danger of losing your dignity because we all know you already lost that in high school.
Brought to life on Unreal Engine 4, the graphics are impressively polished. The colors pop brighter than your Aunt Millie’s neon tracksuit from the 80s, and the attention to detail is worthy of a virtual art show. Each level looks and feels as if it were plucked from skateboarding’s golden age but updated to prevent viewers from mistaking the game for a relic of the past. Movement is fluid and looks spectacular when you perform combos that defy the laws of physics (and probably gravity).
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a fabulous homage to the original games. It's like if your favorite band reunited for a nostalgic tour, playing all the hits with a fresh spin. Despite some minor criticisms, like the multiplayer options running out of gas faster than your parents on a road trip, this game provides a solid skating experience that keeps you coming back for more. So throw on some headphones, select your favorite skater (and yes, Jack Black is back as Officer Dick, because why not?), and enjoy. Just remember, if you want to get good, you might have to sacrifice a few hours of sleep—or maybe a bit of productivity at work. But hey, those meetings can wait, right?